1) Use smaller pieces of furniture
Instead of a sofa, opt for a loveseat. Instead of a big, square, wooden coffee table, choose two small cubes or a small ottoman with a tray. Take the extra leaves out of your dining room table to show more floor space. This makes the room appear larger. You also have more versatility in arranging smaller-scaled pieces.
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2) Use mirrors and glass
By incorporating pieces such as a mirrored chest or a glass-topped table that are open and reflective, they don’t appear to take up as much space as heavier looking pieces of furniture. A large mirror on the back wall of a small room will open it up and make it appear more spacious than it is.
Mirrors reflect light and make the room appear brighter and larger.
3) Keep window treatments a similar color to the walls
The color of drapery panels, shades or blinds should blend with the wall color; a contrasting color will tend to chop up the room. I see many homes where the walls are a neutral tone, yet drapery panels are burgundy or some other dark color. Typically, we don’t want the drapery panels to be the focal point of the room and when there is this much contrast, they draw the eye there first. The fireplace or other nice feature of the house should be the focal point.
Living room with drapery panels similar to wall color.
4) Use light colors
Light colored walls and/or furniture pieces will make the room appear larger than dark walls and/or furniture. Light colors recede while dark colors appear to come toward you.
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